FFg or FFFG

[huntnfmly]

I am new to muzzleloading and wondering wich to use?FFg or FFFG I have a 50cal knight wolverine.Any info would be great.

[MagKarl]

Either should work.  You could always try both to see if your rifle has a preference.

[TopOfTheFoodChain]

Not saying it's better or worse, I use FFF

[Moose Eyes]

Either should work.  You could always try both to see if your rifle has a preference.

Exactly.  Based on my most recent results I am going with 3F.  But I will keep tinkering. 

[dawhunt]

Is 100 grains of 3F the same as 100 grains of 2F isn't there a big differance in the two
as far as power ??
Bob

[MagKarl]

No, 3F is finer, so you get a greater powder density (less air) when measured by volume.  I can't remember offhand, but I want to say you need to cut 3F back by something like 15%, so ~85 grains of 3F would be roughly equal to 100 grains 2F. 

[dawhunt]

Thanks !!
Bob

[T-Bone]

In general, FFG for .50 caliber and above; FFFG for .45 caliber. You can raise pressure to a dangerous level by a directly substituting one for the other.

READ THE DIRECTIONS THAT CAME WITH YOUR MUZZLELOADER! Also, order a catalog from Dixie Gunworks; LOTS of good info.; including powder and load recommendations for a wide variety of muzzleloaders.

[sparksbr]

I have a Knight Bighorn .50 and have gleaned through all the Knight manuals.  I have found nothing related to this.  One would think an issue as major as excessive pressures would warrant more detailed manufacturer info. 

SCARY!!!

Here is a description of FFFG as taken from Hodgdon's website.

"The same great powder as FFG with smaller grain size and it is intended for use in pistols and rifles of 50 caliber and smaller."

Does the Dixie Gunworks catalog have more info related to grain size?

[Rob]

I am new to this, but in reading the Lyman Black Powder book, I seem to recall that the loads are measured volumetricaly, not by weight, and you should follow the powder/charge recommendations for your gun.  Mine (different make) says to use either FF or FFF, but recommends FFF but does not comment on using different volumetric amounts based on powder type that I saw, but I will re-read.

bottom line, I would follow your manual!

[T-Bone]

I have a Knight Bighorn .50 and have gleaned through all the Knight manuals.  I have found nothing related to this.  One would think an issue as major as excessive pressures would warrant more detailed manufacturer info. 

SCARY!!!

Here is a description of FFFG as taken from Hodgdon's website.

"The same great powder as FFG with smaller grain size and it is intended for use in pistols and rifles of 50 caliber and smaller."

Does the Dixie Gunworks catalog have more info related to grain size?

Yes, in the the POWDER section; also, for a GREAT Owner's Manual with good info., get one from Thompson Center. It has good general info. for all muzzleloaders.

[sparksbr]

Thanks T-Bone, I'll definately check into it.

Brady

[jroc92980]

I just bought a T/C Blackdiamond XR .50 and according to that manual FFG is used for .45 cal  to .58 cal and the FFFG is used for .45 cal and under.

[TheHunt]

From what I have read is that 3F burns faster then 2F.  Which results in a higher pressure yuou would get from 3F then 2F. 

[Pat/Rick]

The finer the grain, the faster the burn.Either one will work with a fifty.If you go for large powder loads felt recoil will be more with finer powders.Measure by volume not weight.Start out around 60 or 70 grains of powder and then increase slowly,develop a load that works.When accuracy starts to fall off,cut your load back around 10 grains or so.You don't need to shoot humungous 100+ grain loads. Remember a 45-70 shot a 400 grain bullet pushed by 70 grains of powder. YMMV

[Moose Eyes]

The finer the grain, the faster the burn.Either one will work with a fifty.If you go for large powder loads felt recoil will be more with finer powders.Measure by volume not weight.Start out around 60 or 70 grains of powder and then increase slowly,develop a load that works.When accuracy starts to fall off,cut your load back around 10 grains or so.You don't need to shoot humungous 100+ grain loads. Remember a 45-70 shot a 400 grain bullet pushed by 70 grains of powder. YMMV